How to Identify De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and the AMIT Solution

De Quervain's tenosynovitis is irritation of the two tendons that run along the thumb side of the wrist and the tunnel they slide through. It causes pain at the base of the thumb and along the side of the wrist that gets worse with gripping, pinching, lifting, or twisting the wrist. Some people feel a catching or snapping when they move the thumb.

It is most common in people in their 40s and 50s, affects more women than men, and is linked to pregnancy and the months after having a baby, when lifting a child puts the thumb and wrist in exactly the position that irritates these tendons.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis is a painful condition that affects two tendons located on the thumb side of the wrist. It occurs when the sheath surrounding the tendons becomes inflamed or thickened, usually due to repetitive movements.

This is one of the shoulder, arm & wrist hub AMIT addresses by restoring proper muscle activation instead of relying on surgery.

On This Page:

• Causes of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

• Symptoms of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

• How De Quervain's Is Diagnosed: The Finkelstein Test

• De Quervain's vs. Carpal Tunnel vs. Wrist Sprain

• AMIT Treatment for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

• Wrist Sprain Treatment in Draper and Kaysville: Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT)

Causes of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

The primary cause of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis is repetitive movement of the wrist and thumb, which irritates the tendons and causes inflammation. This condition is common in people who engage in activities that involve frequent gripping or pinching motions, such as:

• Repetitive Use: Frequent use of the wrist and thumb, especially in tasks like texting or typing.

• Direct Trauma: Injuries to the thumb or wrist can also cause tendon irritation.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are recognized risk factors. People who develop symptoms after having a baby often notice them within 4 to 6 weeks.

Symptoms of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Typical symptoms include:

• Pain in the Wrist and Thumb: Pain may be felt at the base of the thumb or along the side of the wrist.

• Swelling: Swelling may occur near the base of the thumb.

• Difficulty Grasping or Pinching: Everyday tasks, like holding objects, may become difficult and painful.

Some people also see a fluid-filled bump on the thumb side of the wrist, or feel the thumb catch or snap as it moves.

How De Quervain's Is Diagnosed: The Finkelstein Test

De Quervain's is usually diagnosed with a simple exam. In the Finkelstein test, you tuck your thumb into your palm, wrap your fingers over it, and bend your wrist toward your little finger. Sharp pain on the thumb side of the wrist suggests de Quervain's. X-rays and ultrasound are usually not needed.

De Quervain's vs. Carpal Tunnel vs. Wrist Sprain

These three are the most common causes of wrist pain we see, and they behave differently:

• De Quervain's tenosynovitis: Pain on the thumb side of the wrist, worse with gripping, pinching, and twisting. Usually builds gradually from repetitive use.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger, often worse at night. It is a nerve problem, so numbness is the main feature rather than tendon pain.

• Wrist sprain: Starts with a specific injury, most often a fall onto an outstretched hand, followed by pain, swelling, and tenderness in the wrist.

AMIT Treatment for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

What Happens During De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

This condition may be caused by multiple traumas to the thumb, leading to joint fixation and muscle inhibition. As the tendons in the wrist become irritated, muscle imbalances develop, making movements painful.

How Does AMIT Help?

Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT) can help correct this condition by reactivating the muscles surrounding the thumb and wrist. Manipulating the thumb joint and realigning the bones can restore function and alleviate pain by relieving pressure on the tendons.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons notes that most people with de Quervain's tenosynovitis recover well with appropriate treatment. Surgery to release the tendon sheath may be recommended if symptoms are severe or do not improve after 6 weeks of nonsurgical treatment.

Wrist Sprain Treatment in Draper and Kaysville: Advanced Muscle Integration Technique (AMIT)

How to Identify Wrist Sprain and the AMIT Solution

Wrist sprains are caused by sudden injuries, such as falls or impacts, that overstretch or tear the ligaments in the wrist. These injuries can lead to a range of symptoms and discomfort depending on the severity of the sprain.

Causes of Wrist Sprain

Wrist sprains are often the result of:

• Falls: A common cause is falling onto an outstretched hand, which jams the wrist.

• Sudden Twists or Impacts: Activities that involve sudden movements or force to the wrist can overstretch the ligaments, leading to a sprain.

Symptoms of Wrist Sprain

Symptoms of a wrist sprain may include:

• Dull Ache or Pain: Pain in the wrist that ranges from mild to severe depending on the injury.

• Tenderness and Swelling: The wrist may feel tender to the touch, and swelling may occur around the injury.

Get an X-ray first if you heard a crack when you were injured, the wrist has changed shape or points at an odd angle, the hand is numb or tingling, or the skin looks blue or grey or feels cold. These can be signs of a broken bone.

AMIT Treatment for Wrist Sprain

What Happens During a Wrist Sprain?

Damage to any of the muscles or ligaments that support the wrist can cause pain and instability. A common injury is jamming the carpal bones after a fall, which can misalign the wrist bones and create lasting discomfort.

How Does AMIT Help?

AMIT focuses on realigning the wrist bones to restore proper function. By manipulating the carpal bones back into alignment and reactivating the muscles around the wrist, AMIT provides immediate relief and helps prevent further injury.

On a first visit we test the muscles of the thumb, wrist, and forearm one at a time and check how the small wrist bones and thumb joint move. If a fracture is possible, we refer you for an X-ray first. The visit takes about 40 minutes; what to expect explains how to prepare. Repetitive gripping can also irritate the elbow; see tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.

Steps to Take If You Have Wrist or Thumb Pain

1. Consult a Certified AMIT Physician: At AMIT, we specialize in treating wrist and thumb conditions by addressing the root causes of pain. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

2. Rehabilitation: After AMIT treatment, our team will guide you through exercises to strengthen the wrist and thumb, preventing future injuries.

Why Choose AMIT for Wrist and Thumb Injuries?

• Non-Invasive Treatment: AMIT offers a non-surgical approach to treating tendon and ligament injuries.

• Restores Function and Reduces Pain: By realigning the bones and reactivating the muscles, AMIT helps restore normal movement.

• Prevents Re-Injury: Correcting the underlying causes of the injury helps prevent further damage and future sprains.

If you're experiencing pain in your wrist or thumb, contact Advanced Muscle Integration Clinics in the Salt lake City Area for effective, professional treatment using Advanced Muscle Integration Technique. A certified AMIT physician can help restore your mobility and relieve pain.

Call us today at 801.544.2355 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.

Wrist and Thumb Pain Treatment in Draper and Kaysville

AMIT Clinics treats wrist and thumb pain at both Utah locations: Draper, at 12371 S 900 E Unit 101, and Kaysville, at 447 North 300 West Ste 5. We see new parents, people who type or text for hours, athletes who fell on an outstretched hand, and people whose wrist has not felt right since an old injury. Our article on tendinitis pain you don't have to live with covers why tendon pain tends to linger.

Frequently Asked Questions About De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Call 801.544.2355 to be seen.